Like the Javier Saviola transfer though, the hefty Ã¢ÂÂ¬6.5m spent is more of a gamble than an investment with a guaranteed return.

Having already played in the more competitive English and Spanish leagues, will Sinama-Pongolle have the motivation to be a hit at Sporting?

These three transfers may not signal the end of the clubÃ¢ÂÂs spending spree, as Carvalhal warned that the club would continue to monitor the transfer market.

Braga centre-back Alberto RodrÃÂ­guez, Nacional midfielder RÃÂºben Micael and Valencia left-back Asier Del Horno are rumoured to be next targets for this new Sporting.

It's quite a shift in policy for the usually quiet club and one thing is certain: this newfound ambition quashes the argument that Sporting cannot financially compete with the other main title contenders.

Which means they have run out of excuses: win or lose, Bettencourt and Carvalhal are the engineers of the outcome.

As mentioned in a previous post, Benfica built on their summer spending spree by bringing in three players Ã¢ÂÂ all from Brazil and, therefore, eligible for the Europa League Ã¢ÂÂ for a total of Ã¢ÂÂ¬7.3m.

Flamengo's 19-year-old Airton (pictured) was signed in an attempt to increase competition for the holding midfielder role.

Under-20 international Alan Kardec, a striker in the similar mould of Cardozo (big, strong and mostly a poacher), was signed as a replacement for Keirrison, who is expected to move to Spanish side Zaragoza.

Prepare for an Air-ial bombardment

Ã¢ÂÂK11Ã¢ÂÂ was one of the biggest letdowns of the season and with no chance of dislodging Cardozo and Saviola from the starting XI, his departure benefits all the parties involved.

With Kardec and Luis, that makes six players without even considering crippled Pedro Mantorras, soon-to-depart Keirrison and the fact that Di Maria or even Aimar can play as forwards, albeit in a deeper role.

ItÃ¢ÂÂs an awful lot of strikers for a team that usually plays with just two. Either some tensions will arise or another striker is due to leave.